Tiago Pires injures knee during epic surf

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 30 April, 2013 : - - Tiago Pires (PRT), 33, is Portugal’s first qualifier on the elite ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) and “The Portuguese Tiger” has more than an ample following of passionate Europeans backing him amongst the world’s elite.

In his sixth year as a member of the elite ASP Top 34, Pires has had a slow start to 2013, posting a 25th on the Gold Coast and a 13th at Bells Beach in the opening two events. The powerful natural-footer then traveled home to recharge following the Australian leg and scored incredible surf during the Portuguese springtime.

“The last few days at home have been absolutely crazy, with good surf pretty much everywhere. From Ericeira to Peniche and a bit of Carcavelos(where the prime is going to be after the WCT in Peniche) in the mix!”

However, the good luck wouldn’t last as Pires would suffer a dry-docking injury to his knee, jeopardizing his attendance at the upcoming Billabong Rio Pro. “I’ve pulled a ligament in my left knee while surfing this past Saturday. Usually they predict four-to-six weeks with these type of injuries but I’m working hard everyday to recover for Rio. I’m doing two sessions of physiotherapy a day hoping that I can be close to 100% before the event.”

The ASP will continue to update on Tiago’s situation as information becomes available. The ASP Top 34 will next do battle at the Billabong Rio Pro from May 8 – 19, 2013. Portugal's favorite son, Tiago Pires, scored some great waves at home before succumbing to a ligament injury in his left knee. Here's wishing Tiago a speedy recovery before Rio.